Happier Halloween!

Nevie Rose had a good Halloween as a pumpkin/kitty/witch. She was the belle of the ball at Daddy's library reading, ate pizza for dinner, didn't stick her fingers in the blazing pumpkin, and made it all the way to the grand climax of Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein before looking at me and saying: "Does this part make you nervous?"

Nevie Rose, w/ spirit orb!

Happy Halloween!

The big day has arrived. I'm dropping in with fistful of candy corn for all of you, plus an appropriately seasonal illustration whipped up by my buddy Kevin Nordstrom. Thanks, Kevin!

Also up for grabs: I'm the guest blogger over at October Country today, so check out my pick for Halloween reading. Enjoy!

Anyway, I hope one and all have a great holiday. And while I'm at it, I'll shovel one last reminder your way about my reading today at Saint Mary's College. Hope to see you there.

Last but certainly not least: To all our friends on the East Coast, we're hoping you're safe and sound in the shadow of Hurricane Sandy. Hang in there, and be safe.

Oh, the Horror!

Along with webslingin' librarian Sarah Vital, I've posted a Pinterest page with some cool horror stuff over at the Saint Mary's College Library website. If you want to catch my particular take on an oft-overlooked novel by Stephen King, plus standout work by Laird Barron, John Langan, and Glen Hirshberg, click on over to Oh, the Horror!.

And remember: Info on my Halloween reading (like: it's tomorrow!) can be found in the post below, so take a stroll and scroll on down the page for details or click here.

While I'm at it: Major thanks to my writing brothers-in-arms who've mentioned Dark Harvest as a Halloween favorite over at Blu Gilliand's October Country blog. I'm gratified that authors as fine as John Skipp, Kealan Patrick Burke, and Nate Southard gave props to the book. Gracias, gents! Tomorrow I will raise a pint of Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale and toast all three of you.

Halloween Hootenanny!

I'll be reading from Dark Harvest at the Saint Mary's College Library on October 31st (the day itself!) at 2 p.m. (not quite the witching hour, but I'll do my best to channel some appropriate vibes). There's a frightful feast of additional action on the library's menu that day, including a triple-play of movies* and a reading by my compadre Mike Jung, who has just published a knockout debut novel for young readers.

So come one, come all. Directions to campus can be found here. Hope to see you on the 31st... and since I work the night shift as a Circulation Supervisor at the aforementioned establishment, I might even tell you a ghost story or two about the library. It's haunted.


*Yes. We're showing Carnival of Souls at 9 a.m. We're serious horror fans around here, and we'll scramble your brains before breakfast.

Pic Update

There's some good news about Tom Piccirilli's brain cancer surgery over at Ed Gorman's blog.

It's important to remember that in some ways Tom's battle against cancer is just beginning. As they say in the fight game, "He ain't in easy." The Big C is a tough opponent. Not cheap, either. Folks are rockin' the house with contributions over at Tom's IndieGoGo fundraiser, which shows how much good karma Pic's put out there over the years. Take a look at the comments, and you'll see how well-loved the guy is, both by writers and readers. If you haven't had a chance, please consider making a contribution.

Now lace 'em up, Pic. As they say in the Rocky movies: "I didn't hear no bell." Watch yourself in the clinches, and go get 'em, pard!

A Brother in Need

This is a hell of a way to revive my blog, but I got word late last week that my good buddy Tom Piccirilli has been diagnosed with brain cancer. He's undergoing surgery today for removal of a tennis-ball-sized tumor, with a long recovery period ahead. If you'd like to help Tom and his wife Michelle, the best way is to make a donation to an IndieGoGo fundraiser that's been set up by his niece. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to Tom.

Tom's been one of my best friends for a number of years now. Which is odd, because we've never met in person. Of course, Tom's a phenomenal writer. He's also one of the nicest guys I know... the kind of guy who's always been there with a kind email on a day when I needed a boost, an open ear (or computer screen) on days when I've wanted to vent, and a perfect willingness to blow a couple hours shooting emails back and forth about old TV shows or movies when it's time to decompress. He's like a brother I never knew I had until about ten years ago, and all best wishes go out to him and his from me and mine today. Hang in there, pardner, and stay strong.